Jefferies believes the potential for an acquisition of Cablevision (CVC) has increased after "several" news articles mentioned the company as a possible target for Charter (CHTR), Comcast (CMCSA) and Time Warner (TWC). The firm thinks a Cablevision suitor could pay as much as 50% above the current share price and still realize "meaningful value" from acquiring the company. However, it finds it too early to conclude whether the likely suitor will be a combined Charter/Time Warner Cable entity, a standalone Time Warner Cable, or even Comcast. Jefferies prefers to take a "measured" approach regarding the ultimate timing of any potential transaction. It keeps a Buy rating on Cablevision with a $24 price target, saying it recommends the stock on a standalone basis.

Morgan Stanley named Comcast as the firm's "Top Pick in the Cable & Satellite" industry and notes that it remains the firm's only Overweight-rated name in the sector. Shares are now down 10% year-to-date despite a stable earnings outlook, says the analyst, who remains confident Comcast can grow broadband ARPU consistent with its historical 3%-4% range in 2024 and beyond. Moderating losses at Peacock and the opening of its new theme park Epic Universe in 2025 should also contribute to consolidated EBITDA growth, the analyst tells investors.

Deutsche Bank lowered the firm's price target on Charter Communications to $320 from $375 and keeps a Hold rating on the shares. The firm cites lower free cash flow estimates for the target drop. The 34% year-to-date decline in Charter's stock price arguably prices in a more challenged growth outlook, the analyst tells investors in a research note. However, the firm does not expect a recovery in the shares until the impact from the Affordable Connectivity Program sunsetting is known and there is some visibility into sustained positive broadband subscriber growth coming back into the model.